close_game
close_game

Vaping is more harmful than you think, damages vital immune system cells

Indo Asian News Service | ByIndo Asian News Service, London
Aug 14, 2018 11:05 AM IST

For the research, scientists devised a mechanical procedure to mimic vaping in the laboratory, using lung tissue samples provided by eight non-smokers.

Vaping can damage vital immune system cells and may be more harmful than previously thought, a study suggests.

Some of the effects of vaping were similar to those seen in regular smokers.(Shutterstock)
Some of the effects of vaping were similar to those seen in regular smokers.(Shutterstock)

Researchers found that e-cigarette vapour disabled important immune cells in the lung and boosted inflammation, the BBC reported. A small experimental study, led by Professor David Thickett, at the University of Birmingham, showed that in only over 48 hours the vapour from e-cigarette caused inflammation and impaired activity of alveolar macrophages - cells that remove potentially damaging dust particles, bacteria and allergens.

For the study, the researchers devised a mechanical procedure to mimic vaping in the laboratory, using lung tissue samples provided by eight non-smokers.

The research which is still in its infancy was published online in the journal Thorax.

Thickett said, “In terms of cancer causing molecules in cigarette smoke, as opposed to cigarette vapour, there are certainly reduced numbers of carcinogens. They are safer in terms of cancer risk - but if you vape for 20 or 30 years and this can cause COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), then that’s something we need to know about.”

Thickett said some of the effects were similar to those seen in regular smokers and people with chronic lung disease. He, however, caution the results are only in laboratory conditions and advise further research is needed to better understand the long-term health impact.

This is a “caution against the widely held opinion” that vaping can be used to aid in giving up cigarettes, the researcher said. Previous studies have focused on the chemical composition of e-cigarette liquid before it is vaped.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Share this article
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
See More
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, February 14, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On